Chef View
By Dana Johnson
Sugar Plums Danced in My Head at the Fruit Yard.
The truth of the matter is that the sugar plum is not a plum at all, nor does it contain any plum-like substance. The sugar plums of Christmas fantasy are in fact sugar, and any resemblance to plums is entirely superficial! Well, it still had me at SUGAR! ‘Tis the season to taste all that is sweet and rich in dreamy flavors!
Merry Christmas Modesto Viewers! Whether you have been naughty or nice I’m sure you can explain, right? Haha! I’m also thinking your sweet tooth will get the best of you this holiday season. Myth: The average person gains 5-10 lbs. during the holidays. According to most studies on the subject, the average person gains one to two pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Therefore, given this glorious new information I‘m delighted to share with you where you can indulge on endless desserts on even given Sunday all year round! The Fruit Yard’s Sunday brunch boasts 2 sprawling tables covered from end to end of confections galore!
Before arriving at the dessert tables, you will pass through a loaded salad bar, a biscuit station, several food warmers with a parade of choices from eggs benedict to sautee’d NY steak, French toast sticks to potatoes, bacon & sausage to chicken fried steak, all leading to the fresh seafood like crab & shrimp conveniently located next to the self-serve drawn butter! Yes, my daughter Amanda & I braved it past that to the omelet station where a chef was waiting with linguica, spinach, peppers, mushrooms, and more to create each of us an individual omelet to our liking! Right when our plates appeared to be full, I glanced down at a carnivore’s dream, a prime rib! The chef with a willing carving knife in hand slicing me off a thick & juicy slice of meat! Mmmmm so Dana~licious!
I know, I know, we should be full by now when in fact we happen upon the dessert tables! Give me an empty clean plate I’m going in! Apricot bars, baked apple bites, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pie bars, peanut butter cookies, chocolate cream puffs, berry pastries, and then I spy this little square that is covered in nuts and caramel, so I tried it. I almost wept! It was decadent, something had my taste buds dancing like those sugar plums in my head! Out of the corner of my eye I could see a young boy with a skewer in hand, spearing marshmallows & grapes that he placed into a fountain of melted chocolate! Beyond words at this point! I took my nut and caramel square & followed his lead! As close to a Wonka moment that I’ve ever had! My Amanda was looking at me as if I had totally forgot she was there, so I made it up to her with a cheese blintz covered in hot berries and powdered sugar!
Modesto View Signature Question: Beatles or Stones? ME in the theme: “Brown Sugar” from the 1971 “Sticky Fingers” album of course! The Rolling Stones!!!
The Fruit Yard
7948 Yosemite Blvd.
Modesto, CA 95357
(209) 577-7948
Dana~licious Mini Chocolate Almond Cherry Cheesecakes
2 8oz block cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. almond extract
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
12 vanilla wafers
1 can cherry pie filling
Beat eggs, cream cheese, & sugar until fluffy. Place wafer in paper or foil muffin liner inside muffin pan. Fill almost to the top. Bake @ 350 for 20 minutes. Allow the cheesecakes to cool. Then top with cherry pie filling. Chill at least 30 1 hour before serving.
